Merck faces class-action lawsuit in Canada over Fosamax

NEW YORK (MarketWatch) -- The maker of osteoporosis drug Fosamax is facing a class-action lawsuit amid allegations the drug causes a condition known as "jaw death," Canadian Press reported.

The law firm Siskinds LLP has launched the suit against Merck Frosst Canada, Canadian Press reported.

The statement of claim alleges Merck failed to adequately warn patients and physicians that Fosamax has been associated with an increased risk of developing osteonecrosis of the jaw, or "jaw death," according to the Canadian Press.

"We believe that through this lawsuit Merck will be required to explain to Canadian consumers what it knew about the risks associated with Fosamax and when it first became aware of those risks," Michael Peerless, a partner with Siskinds LLP, said in a statement, Canadian Press reported.

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